Silver Stars PG Robinson evolves quickly into role

Updated 10:22 pm, Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Second-year pro Danielle Robinson (center) of the Silver Stars already is becoming one of the league’s top point guards.

Second-year pro Danielle Robinson (center) of the Silver Stars already is becoming one of the league’s top point guards.

Photo: Stacy Bengs, Associated Press

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The first two games of the WNBA Western Conference semifinal playoff series between the Silver Stars and Los Angeles Sparks have been moved to accommodate previously scheduled events. Express-News staff writer Terrence Thomas takes a look at other times in league history when plans for playoff games had to change.

The first two games of the WNBA Western Conference semifinal playoff series between the Silver Stars and Los Angeles Sparks have been moved to accommodate previously scheduled events. Express-News staff writer

Silver Stars' point guard Danielle Robinson (left) goes up for a shot over Minnesota's Devereaux Peters during the first half of their game at the AT&T Center on Sept. 23, 2012. The Silver Stars won the game 99-84. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Silver Stars' point guard Danielle Robinson (left) goes up for a shot over Minnesota's Devereaux Peters during the first half of their game at the AT&T Center on Sept. 23, 2012. The Silver Stars won the

Silver Stars' point guard Danielle Robinson (right) drives to the basket past Minnesota's Candice Williams during the fourth quarter of their game at the AT&T Center on Sept. 23, 2012. The Silver Stars came away with a 99-84 victory over the Lynx in their season finale. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net MARVIN

Silver Stars' point guard Danielle Robinson (right) drives to the basket past Minnesota's Candice Williams during the fourth quarter of their game at the AT&T Center on Sept. 23, 2012. The Silver Stars came

Silver Stars' point guard Danielle Robinson (right) looks to drive past Minnesota's Erin Thorn during the first quarterof their game at the AT&T Center on Sept. 23, 2012. The Silver Stars came away with a 99-84 victory over the Lynx in their season finale. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Silver Stars' point guard Danielle Robinson (right) looks to drive past Minnesota's Erin Thorn during the first quarterof their game at the AT&T Center on Sept. 23, 2012. The Silver Stars came away with a

The Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) drives to the basket during a WNBA game between the San Antonio Silver Stars and the New York Liberty on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, at the AT&T Center.

The Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) drives to the basket during a WNBA game between the San Antonio Silver Stars and the New York Liberty on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, at the AT&T Center.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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The Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) takes a shot during a WNBA game between the San Antonio Silver Stars and the New York Liberty on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, at the AT&T Center.

The Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) takes a shot during a WNBA game between the San Antonio Silver Stars and the New York Liberty on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, at the AT&T Center.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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The Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) takes a shot during a WNBA game between the San Antonio Silver Stars and the New York Liberty on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, at the AT&T Center.

The Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) takes a shot during a WNBA game between the San Antonio Silver Stars and the New York Liberty on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, at the AT&T Center.

Photo: John Albright, For The Express-News

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The Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) takes an uncontested lay-up on a fast break during a WNBA game between the San Antonio Silver Stars and the New York Liberty on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, at the AT&T Center.

The Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) takes an uncontested lay-up on a fast break during a WNBA game between the San Antonio Silver Stars and the New York Liberty on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, at the AT&T

San Antonio Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) battles Connecticut Sun's Kelsey Griffin (5) for a loose ball during a WNBA game between the San Antonio Silver Stars and the Connecticut Sun on August 30, 2012 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio Texas. John Albright / Special to the Express-News.

San Antonio Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) battles Connecticut Sun's Kelsey Griffin (5) for a loose ball during a WNBA game between the San Antonio Silver Stars and the Connecticut Sun on August 30, 2012

San Antonio Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) tries to get past Connecticut Sun's Kalana Greene (left) during a WNBA game between the San Antonio Silver Stars and the Connecticut Sun on August 30, 2012 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio Texas. John Albright / Special to the Express-News.

San Antonio Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) tries to get past Connecticut Sun's Kalana Greene (left) during a WNBA game between the San Antonio Silver Stars and the Connecticut Sun on August 30, 2012 at

San Antonio Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson passes past the out stretched arms of Chicago Sky's Eshaya Murphy (7) during the second half of an WNBA basketball game Wednesday, July 11, 2012, in Rosemont, Ill. The Silver Stars won 77-68. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

San Antonio Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson passes past the out stretched arms of Chicago Sky's Eshaya Murphy (7) during the second half of an WNBA basketball game Wednesday, July 11, 2012, in Rosemont, Ill.

The Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson shoots around the Minnesota Lynx's Devereaux Peters during second half action on Sunday, July 1, 2012, at the AT&T Center. The Silver Stars won 93-84.

The Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson shoots around the Minnesota Lynx's Devereaux Peters during second half action on Sunday, July 1, 2012, at the AT&T Center. The Silver Stars won 93-84.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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The Silver Stars starters Sophia Young (from left), Danielle Robinson, Shameka Christon and Becky Hammon root on their teammates in the closing moments of their game against the Los Angeles Sparks in the second half at the AT&T Center on Thursday, June 28, 2012. Silver Stars defeated the Sparks, 94-80.

The Silver Stars starters Sophia Young (from left), Danielle Robinson, Shameka Christon and Becky Hammon root on their teammates in the closing moments of their game against the Los Angeles Sparks in the

Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) scrambles for a loose ball against the Los Angeles Sparks' Alana Beard (0) in the second half at the AT&T Center on Thursday, June 28, 2012. Silver Stars defeated the Sparks, 94-80.

Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) scrambles for a loose ball against the Los Angeles Sparks' Alana Beard (0) in the second half at the AT&T Center on Thursday, June 28, 2012. Silver Stars defeated the

Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) puts up a shot against the Los Angeles Sparks' Nneka Ogwumike (30) in the second half at the AT&T Center on Thursday, June 28, 2012. Silver Stars defeated the Sparks, 94-80.

Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) puts up a shot against the Los Angeles Sparks' Nneka Ogwumike (30) in the second half at the AT&T Center on Thursday, June 28, 2012. Silver Stars defeated the Sparks,

San Antonio Silver Stars players Danielle Robinson (left to right), Danielle Adams, and Sophia Young laugh on the bench during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm, Saturday, June 9, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 80-67.

San Antonio Silver Stars players Danielle Robinson (left to right), Danielle Adams, and Sophia Young laugh on the bench during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm, Saturday, June

Stars guard Danielle Robinson goes for a layup on a fast break against Avery Warley as the San antonio Silver Stars play the Phoenix Mercury at the AT&T Center on June 1, 2012.

Stars guard Danielle Robinson goes for a layup on a fast break against Avery Warley as the San antonio Silver Stars play the Phoenix Mercury at the AT&T Center on June 1, 2012.

Photo: Tom Reel, Express-News

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Danielle Robinson finds an opening to the bucket as the San antonio Silver Stars play the Phoenix Mercury at the AT&T Center on June 1, 2012.

Danielle Robinson finds an opening to the bucket as the San antonio Silver Stars play the Phoenix Mercury at the AT&T Center on June 1, 2012.

Photo: Tom Reel, Express-News

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Danielle Robinson plays tight defense on Samantha Prahalis as the San antonio Silver Stars play the Phoenix Mercury at the AT&T Center on June 1, 2012.

Danielle Robinson plays tight defense on Samantha Prahalis as the San antonio Silver Stars play the Phoenix Mercury at the AT&T Center on June 1, 2012.

Photo: Tom Reel, Express-News

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Tulsa Shock's Temeka Johnson tries to get around San Antonio Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson during a WNBA basketball game Saturday, May 19, 2012, in Tulsa, Okla. (AP Photo/Tulsa World, James Gibbard) ONLINE OUT TV OUT TULSA OUT

San Antonio Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson, left, looks to pass around Washington Mystics' Jasmine Thomas during the second half of a WNBA basketball game, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 82-74.

San Antonio Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson, left, looks to pass around Washington Mystics' Jasmine Thomas during the second half of a WNBA basketball game, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, in San Antonio. San Antonio

San Antonio Silver Stars guard Danielle Robinson (13) gets by Los Angeles Sparks guard Ticha Penicheiro (21), of Portugal, as she scores a basket on a fast break in the first half of a WNBA basketball game,

Danielle Robinson (13) of the San Antonio Silver Stars has her shot blocked by Camille Little of the Seattle Storm during WNBA action at the AT&T Center on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.net Seattle Storm at San Antonio Silver Stars

Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) gestures to her teammates after a score against Connecticut Suns' Kalana Greene (32) in the second half at the AT&T Center on Tuesday, August 30, 2011. The Silver Stars defeated the Sun, 78-66. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net

Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) gestures to her teammates after a score against Connecticut Suns' Kalana Greene (32) in the second half at the AT&T Center on Tuesday, August 30, 2011. The Silver Stars

Indiana Fevers' Erin Phillips (13) grabs a rebound against San Antonio SilverStars' Danielle Robinson (13) in the second half at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on Tuesday, August 16, 2011. Silverstars lose to the Fever, 63-65. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net

Indiana Fevers' Erin Phillips (13) grabs a rebound against San Antonio SilverStars' Danielle Robinson (13) in the second half at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on Tuesday, August 16, 2011. Silverstars lose

San Antonio SilverStars' Danielle Robinson (13) goes the basket against Indiana Fevers' Shyra Ely (43) in the second half at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on Tuesday, August 16, 2011. Silverstars lose to the Fever, 63-65. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net

San Antonio SilverStars' Danielle Robinson (13) goes the basket against Indiana Fevers' Shyra Ely (43) in the second half at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on Tuesday, August 16, 2011. Silverstars lose to

Indiana Fevers' Shannon Bobbitt (00) maneuvers her way around San Antonio SilverStars' Danielle Robinson (13) at the closing moments of the first quarter to attempt a last second shot - which she made - at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on Tuesday, August 16, 2011. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net

Indiana Fevers' Shannon Bobbitt (00) maneuvers her way around San Antonio SilverStars' Danielle Robinson (13) at the closing moments of the first quarter to attempt a last second shot - which she made - at the

Indiana Fevers' Katie Douglas (23) keeps the ball away from San Antonio SilverStars' Danielle Robinson (13) in the first half at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on Tuesday, August 16, 2011. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net

The Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson drives for a layup as the Tulsa Shock's Jennifer Lacy defends at the AT&T Center on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011. Robinson had four points in the Stars' 72-64 win over the Shock.

The Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson drives for a layup as the Tulsa Shock's Jennifer Lacy defends at the AT&T Center on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011. Robinson had four points in the Stars' 72-64 win over the

Seattle Storm's Swin Cash, left, trails San Antonio Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson on a drive in the second half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, in Seattle. The Storm won 78-64.

Seattle Storm's Swin Cash, left, trails San Antonio Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson on a drive in the second half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, in Seattle. The Storm won 78-64.

Photo: Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

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San Antonio Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) gets tangled with Seattle Storm's Sue Bird as they both dive for a loose ball in the first half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, in Seattle.

San Antonio Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) gets tangled with Seattle Storm's Sue Bird as they both dive for a loose ball in the first half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, in Seattle.

Photo: Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

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The Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson takes the ball to the basket against Minnesota Lynx player Alexis Hornbuckle on Sunday, July 31, 2011, at the AT&T Center. Robinson had 10 points in the Stars' 70-69 loss to the Lynx.

The Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson takes the ball to the basket against Minnesota Lynx player Alexis Hornbuckle on Sunday, July 31, 2011, at the AT&T Center. Robinson had 10 points in the Stars' 70-69 loss

The Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson breaks through the Phoenix Mercury's Kara Braxton and Diana Taurasi to score on Thursday, July 28, 2011, at the AT&T Center. Robinson had 11 points.

The Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson breaks through the Phoenix Mercury's Kara Braxton and Diana Taurasi to score on Thursday, July 28, 2011, at the AT&T Center. Robinson had 11 points.

Photo: Sally Finneran/sfinneran@express-news.net

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The Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson goes for a layup against the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday, July 28, 2011, at the AT&T Center. Robinson had 11 points.

The Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson goes for a layup against the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday, July 28, 2011, at the AT&T Center. Robinson had 11 points.

Photo: Sally Finneran/sfinneran@express-news.net

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Storm guards Katie Smith (left) and Sue Bird combine to squeeze the ball away from Danielle Robinson as the San Antonio Silver Stars play the Seattle Storm at the AT&T Center on July 14, 2011. Tom Reel/Staff

Storm forward Camille Little snares an offensive rebound against Jayne Appel as Danielle Robinson looks on as the San Antonio Silver Stars play the Seattle Storm at the AT&T Center on July 14, 2011. Tom Reel/Staff

Storm forward Camille Little snares an offensive rebound against Jayne Appel as Danielle Robinson looks on as the San Antonio Silver Stars play the Seattle Storm at the AT&T Center on July 14, 2011. Tom

Storm guards Katie Smith (left) and Sue Bird combine to squeeze the ball away from Danielle Robinson as the San Antonio Silver Stars play the Seattle Storm at the AT&T Center on July 14, 2011. Tom Reel/Staff

Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) takes a mid-range jumper the against Los Angeles Sparks in the first half at the AT&T Center on Tuesday, July 12, 2011.

Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) takes a mid-range jumper the against Los Angeles Sparks in the first half at the AT&T Center on Tuesday, July 12, 2011.

Photo: Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net

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Silver Stars' Danielle Robinson (13) drives to the basket against New York Liberty's Quanitra Hollingsworth (09) in the first half at the AT&T Center on Friday, July 8, 2011. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net

And based simply on appearances, she really hasn't. Save for the dreadlocks that were sheared a few weeks ago, Robinson looks pretty much as she did when the Silver Stars selected her out of Oklahoma with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2011 WNBA draft.

But make no mistake, Robinson is different. She knows it. Her coach and teammates do as well.

That difference has helped Robinson emerge as one of the league's rising point guards — and could be crucial if the Silver Stars are to advance past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

“She's always been extremely bright, but what she's starting to do now, I think, is understand mature basketball,” Silver Stars coach Dan Hughes said of the 5-foot-9 Robinson. “The thing I appreciate about ‘D-Rob' is she's got to be as fast with the basketball as anybody in the league, yet she is efficient with the basketball. Sometimes you don't combine those things. Even though she's fast, she doesn't play out of control very often.

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“I think she's moving into that next level of point guards in this league.”

A year ago, Robinson admits such a declaration might not have been entirely true. She endured the ebbs and flows like any rookie.

“It was tough, just coming into a new system and having to pick it up so quickly,” Robinson said of her first season. “The second year, you know what to expect. You know what the system is, and you know how to run a team better.

“Confidence is the biggest thing. The team is feeding off my energy. If I look down, or not confident, then they don't want the ball in my hands.”

This season, especially of late, the Silver Stars definitely want the ball in Robinson's hands. She is averaging 9.9 points and 4.3 assists and is shooting 54.1 percent, second on the team behind center Jayne Appel. In 2011, she averaged 8.2 points and 3.9 assists and shot 46 percent.

“She obviously has become a really big piece for us,” Silver Stars guard Becky Hammon said. “There's nobody in the league that can keep her from getting to her spot; she's too fast. Now, she's becoming smart and fast. It's a really good combination.

“Last year, I saw her get in the lane a lot. This year, I can see her getting in the lane and finishing a lot, which is a big difference. Her touch and her finishing ability have just brought her game to another level. That's a credit to her and her hard work.”

Robinson's transformation benefited largely from playing in Israel during the offseason. She averaged 16.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.9 steals in only 20 games.

“I think that (playing) overseas helps,” she said. “All the time that you have by yourself to get stronger, I attribute it to all of that.”

But Hughes says Robinson deserves much of the credit for her vast improvement.

“What Danielle Robinson is, is an extremely hard-working player on a daily basis,” Hughes said. “What Danielle Robinson is, is a smart basketball player. And what Danielle Robinson is, is persistent. If she doesn't have a good game, she isn't going to fall away. She really wants to be an elite point guard in the world. Every day at work, to her, is a chance for her to get closer to that.”